The White House has firmly rejected a suggestion from a French politician that the Statue of Liberty should be returned to France. The landmark, a globally recognized symbol of freedom and democracy, was a gift from France to the United States in 1876 to commemorate the centennial of American independence. It has stood as a beacon of hope in New York Harbor since its dedication in 1886.
During a recent press briefing, a journalist posed a question to White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt regarding whether President Donald Trump intended to return the statue to France. Leavitt’s response was unequivocal: “Absolutely not.”
She further addressed the request by advising the politician in question to be appreciative of the United States, stating, “It is only thanks to the United States of America that the French don’t speak German today.” While she did not elaborate, her remarks appeared to reference the critical role the U.S. played in liberating France during World War II.
The suggestion to return the statue came from Raphaël Glucksmann, a French Member of the European Parliament and leader of the center-left party Place Publique. Speaking at a party conference, Glucksmann argued that the United States no longer upholds the values that inspired France to donate the statue, implying that it should therefore be returned. While his statement does not reflect the official stance of the French government, it gained significant media attention, both in France and internationally.
The Statue of Liberty, standing on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. It serves as a symbol of freedom, democracy, and the historical ties between France and the United States. Despite political disagreements, the statue remains an enduring testament to the shared ideals that have long connected the two nations.
